Mazda North America is putting plans in place to kick off the winter tires by celebrating 25 years of MX-5 Miata at next month's New York International Auto Show. Showcasing 15 MX-5 vehicles, from auto show concepts to race cars to production models, the Big Apple will host the biggest birthday party yet for the storied two-seat roadster.

On February 9, 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata made its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show. 25 years later, Mazda looks to celebrate MX-5's rich heritage at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

"MX-5 Miata is the quintessential Mazda," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda America. "And after 25 years, every vehicle in the lineup continues to feature some characteristic of MX-5: a fluid shifter, lightness on its feet, quickness around a corner, a fun-to-drive DNA. With all the whiz-bang technology and comfort amenities increasingly added to modern vehicles, MX-5's direct connection between car and driver still remains the standard feature that puts smiles on drivers' faces."

Making its global debut on February 9, 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, the MX-5 Miata won over critics and consumers alike with its styling, handling and affordability. After all, here was a racing-tuned convertible sports car that most anyone could afford—and buy one they did. With more than 900,000 units sold across its three generations, MX-5 continues to be a multi-faceted master of the driving experience. As an enthusiast favorite for deep-diving into S-curves, a smooth weekend coastal cruiser or the vehicle that speed-hungry racing champions aspire to, MX-5 Miata exudes driving with emotion.

The New York International Auto Show opens to the public on April 18, 2014.